If you have resistance type heating, there is no inrush current.
1 Like
One thought would be a "Klixon" thermal switch in series with the heating element with a switch point a few degrees above the controller setpoint. What is the heater's voltage, current and the controller's setpoint? What is the heater heating?
"I already have an ACS714 current sensor fitted to SSR load side. again it reads and displays OK"
What does it display?
The code to implement your idea in post #13 seem straightforward and simple.
Where are you stuck?